As we stand on the threshold of a profound moment in our faith journey, we prepare to welcome a new Holy Father following the passing of Pope Francis into eternal life during the sacred Octave of Easter. In these contemplative days, we are blessed with increased opportunities for prayer and the reception of the Eucharist at Holy Mass. With May—the month dedicated to Our Blessed Mother—upon us, it is fitting to share some important news.

A Time of Transition

As we prepare to bid farewell to our beloved seminarian intern, John Paul Angeli, who will conclude his pastoral year in July, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Clayton Huck. He will grace St. Patrick Parish with his presence for the 2025-26 academic year. Clayton expresses his enthusiasm:

"Hello, St. Patrick family! I am thrilled to embark on my pastoral year with you, especially after my enriching experience as a Totus Tuus missionary at St. Patrick in 2022. I hail from the small but vibrant parish of St. Agnes in Bloomsdale, where I was nurtured in faith from Pre-K through 8th grade alongside my younger siblings. My journey in music began in 6th grade when I started playing the organ for Mass. After high school, I pursued biochemistry at Mizzou before entering the seminary in August 2020. My heart is drawn to the outdoors—hunting, fishing, beekeeping, and hiking—and I cherish the joys of reading, writing, and discussing our faith. I look forward to joining you after a transformative summer of Spanish immersion in Guatemala, growing deeper in our love for God together!”

From Rachel Henry

Rachel Henry let me know recently that she would be leaving St. Patrick to pursue a new career opportunity. Please read the following from her:

"I have been at Saint Patrick for the last five years and have been blessed with the amazing community at the parish. I am so grateful for all of the friendships, love, and support that I have received while here. I want to take this op-portunity to inform you all that I have accepted a position as the executive assistant to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, starting in June. I will be working in their administrative offices in Olivette, doing event planning and office management. This is an exciting opportunity to help support the ministry of the Sisters, especially their social justice ministries. Even though I know this is where I am being called at this point in my life, I am also sad to say goodbye to everyone here. With so many family and friends, I am sure that I will be visiting for Mass and other events. I look forward to visiting and hearing about all of the wonderful things the Holy Spirit has for the future of Saint Patrick.”Thanks, Rachel, for your 5 years of service. We are so grateful to you for the many in which you have served this parish family. We wish you all the best.

That said, we have recently posted an opening for the position that Rachel held on the ArchHR website at: https://careers.archstl.org/

St. Patrick Choir

As we continue to develop and refine the music ministry program at St. Patrick, we acknowledge the importance of honoring the legacy of dedicated individuals who have served our parish community for many years. In that spirit, the 9:00 a.m. parish choir will continue their service at the 9:00 a.m. Mass throughout the year, beginning May 25th. We are pleased to announce that parishioner Al Vigland has been appointed to provide leadership for the choir. Al brings over 25 years of music ministry experience, including a decade of service at St. Martin de Porres. His commitment to St. Patrick over the past three years has been invaluable, and we are confident that his expertise will enrich the musical experience at the 9:00 a.m. Mass. As demonstrated during the recent Good Friday service, where the choir performed exceptionally under Al's direction, we anticipate a continued elevation of our worship through music. We welcome Al wholeheartedly into this new role.

Building our Foundation in Christ; Land Acquisition Update

We need your help. We have raised our first $1,000,000. We are halfway to our $2,000,000 goal. As you aware, we have recently begun our second giving push, now that Easter has passed, to reach our goal. The Building Committee has given pulpit talks; the parish office has provided a thorough bulletin update (check out the April 27, 2025 bul-letin at parishesonline.com/organization/st-patrick-church-63385); letters have recently been mailed.

Let’s get it done!

Together, as we journey through this Easter season, let us be united in love and purpose as we continue to Form Disciples and Lead All to Christ!

Yours in Christ,